Kagay-anon soldier is 2022 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino awarde

Through a resolution, the 20th City Council on its regular session Monday, presided over by Councilor Edgar S. Cabanlas, adopted a resolution commending and congratulating Col. Stephen L. Cabanlit, PMGSC, Philippine Navy Marines, for being awarded as one of the 2022 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos thereby giving honor and pride to Cagayan de Oro City, its officials and residents.

Col. Stephen L. Cabanlit, PMGSC, is the Assistant Chief of the Unified Command Staff for Operations of Western Command. He is best known for pioneering the Football for Peace program in Sulu Province in 2011 when he was the Operations Officer of a Marine Battalion.

The program encouraged the youth to engage in sports thus promoting peaceful co-existence, camaraderie, teamwork, sportsmanship and discipline.

Other AFP units then adopted the program of Col. Cabanlit in other parts of the country which veered the youth away from joining lawless groups.

In 2017, the European Union during the Asean National Forum on Violent Extremism held in Brussels, Belgium, recognized the said program as an effective tool in preventing and countering violent extremism.

As the proponent and chair of the committee on public order and safety, Councilor Romeo V. Calizo said it is only fitting for the council to give its official cognizance, praise and accolade to Col. Cabanlit for his exemplary accomplishments.

The resolution was also supported by Councilors Jose Pepe S. Abbu, Jr. and Yevonna Yacine B. Emano and endorsed by all other members of the City Council.